Author Archives: dave49

Starrett 196

Posted on November 3, 2014 by dave49

This is a “Dial Test Indicator Back Plunger Set”. A friend gave it to me for minor services rendered. It appears to be complete, as all the recesses are occupied. The indicator has a plunger rod sticking out the back, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alignment, Measuring | Leave a comment

Meek 44

Posted on October 24, 2014 by dave49

A friend recently bought this reel. It was missing 3 screws, two for the foot and one on the backplate. The foot was held on by two “rivets’ made from nails. I had to disassemble in order to get at … Continue reading →

Posted in Classic Reels | 1 Comment

Knob Selection

Posted on October 19, 2014 by dave49

While finishing this reel, I made a selection of knobs. Briar, Brazilian Tulip, Rosewood, Alternative Ivory, Turcite X, Black Acetal (on reel). Macro shot of the wood knobs: Briar, Tulip, Rosewood Update 2 March 2015: Two more, ebony and maple … Continue reading →

Posted in Knob | 3 Comments

Rotary Tumbling

Posted on September 30, 2014 by dave49

Since I began making reels in 2011, I have been using a vibratory tumbler to finish parts. This is effective for aluminum and brass reel parts when used with”plastic pyramids” media. A typical part would get 4 hours of vibration, … Continue reading →

Posted in Abrading | 7 Comments

Ferrule Set

Posted on September 6, 2014 by dave49

I made this ferrule set from Duronze (c642 bronze). Duronze is perhaps the next best thing to drawn nickel silver, and probably better than machined nickel silver. It is size 11 (11/64 inch) for a 3 weight rod. These are … Continue reading →

Posted in Ferrules | 5 Comments

Reel Seat

Posted on August 26, 2014 by dave49

This week I have been attempting to make a reel seat of the “cap-and-ring, mortised insert” type, but only with partial success. The trim ring (cork check?), sliding ring, and cap are simple lathe parts.  I chuck a 1 inch … Continue reading →

Posted in Rods | 8 Comments

Furling Machine

Posted on July 31, 2014 by dave49

For more than 10 years, I have made and fished furled leaders, using the method of Claude Freaner. I have now made a fixture/machine to assist in the process. The machine is hand cranked, so I no longer need to … Continue reading →

Posted in Line/Knots | 10 Comments

Top of the Foot

Posted on July 28, 2014 by dave49

I delivered the Bronze Frame Reel (blog post of July 14) to a rodmaker acquaintance, who was making himself a new 3 weight rod just for this reel. He had chosen a CRNS reel seat from REC Components, but found … Continue reading →

Posted in Foot | Leave a comment

Ferrule Shrinking

Posted on July 16, 2014 by dave49

On May 7 I made a post about electroplating of nickel. This can be a protective finish for reel parts, but it can also be used to increase the diameter of a male rod ferrule that is loose. I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Ferrules, Forming | 4 Comments

Bronze Frame Reel

Posted on July 14, 2014 by dave49

I made this reel for an acquaintance from the “Grayrock” rod builders meeting. It is really the same design as the Brass Frame Reel that I recently posted, but downsized for WF3F and 30 yards backing. It would also hold … Continue reading →

Posted in My Reels | 2 Comments